Ireland second-row Sam Monaghan has voiced strong support for the prospect of an Irish club joining the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), describing it as a potential game-changer for the national team’s development. The PWR, currently featuring only English sides, launched an expression of interest process in April for organizations exploring expansion opportunities. The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed on Friday that it has expressed interest in joining, marking a significant step forward.
Monaghan, one of 11 Ireland Six Nations squad members currently playing in the PWR, signed for reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in 2022. She believes that an Irish team in the competition would accelerate player growth by offering a higher level of competition. While Irish provinces Munster, Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster compete in an Interpro league, and teams Clovers and Wolfhounds represent Ireland in the Celtic Challenge alongside Scottish and Welsh clubs, Monaghan sees PWR integration as the next logical step.
“This is something we’ve always discussed among the girls playing in the Premiership,” Monaghan told BBC Sport NI. “Having an Irish team where we could all play together would be incredible. For my career, the Premiership has been fantastic, but I’ve built a life there with a house and job. Coming home full-time wouldn’t be feasible for me right now, so having the opportunity to do both would be amazing. Getting our players to train and play together more frequently would massively benefit the national team. We’ve talked about it before, but seeing it actually happen would be a dream come true—it’s that competitive.”
The 32-year-old also weighed in on the controversial decision to introduce size 4.5 balls for this autumn’s WXV Global Series. These balls, about 3% smaller than the standard size five but same weight, have drawn criticism from players like England fly-half Zoe Harrison, who called it “the worst decision someone has ever made.” Monaghan echoed that sentiment.
“If this change were implemented, it probably should have been done years ago,” Monaghan added. “Given how much the game is improving year on year—the spectacle, the players’ skill sets are all advancing—I personally don’t see the need for change. Hookers and kickers would feel strongly about this because it’s their craft, something they’ve honed over many years. I think the investment could be better directed elsewhere in the game. The size five ball is working well.”
